Brazilian Gothic Metal band AMOS have, with their latest release "Jade" created an extremely solid Gothic Metal/Hard Rock album.  The album has all the hallmarks of the sullen genre: deep lyrics, baritone clean vocals, simple but chunky/heavy riffs, solid bass and drumming and just a general overall atmosphere of melancholy dipped in despair.  However, the band does have some slight 80's style rock hooks thrown in, reminding me of the more mainstream bands from that era like DEPECHE MODE or THE CURE, bands that are probably not considered Goth but still had those leanings and attracted that fan base. AMOS are the other way around; they are definitely gothic but their music has just enough hooks and melody to pull in other crowds.

The opening track, "Still Believe," has bass that definitely lays down the framework for the more gothic leanings of the song's sound but the guitars have a wonderful sense of melody that attract the ears to everything else around it, including the heavy rhythm, slight use of keys/synths, and the solid drumming from Marcos.  Despite the deep nature of his vocals, Rodrigo has a very even tone and plenty of inflection that he uses to create vocal hooks and catchy choruses throughout the album. The opening of "Devotion" has a great bass line and standout vocals before the song opens up to Evandro's heavy yet catchy metal guitars.  I really like the way this song is structured; the music is the foundation with the vocals circling it, giving both parts plenty of time to shine.  The chorus is excellent and I found it stuck in my head for some time.  The guitars in between the stanzas feature a slight Prog feel with a infectious sense of melody.

"Lost Essence," is another standout track reminding me of the lighter moments of Gothic Doom metal outfit PARADISE LOST, especially in the vocal delivery.  The clean keys are a nice touch, giving the song an organic feel to the dark emotion.  Rodrigo's vocals get a little higher in the register, but never lose their edge.  While he croons, the bass and drums work together to keep the rhythm going.  Around the 3:00 minute mark a decent guitar solo finally peeks out around the corner and shines through as the song ends with some lush keys.

The best example of the band's sound would probably be "Prodigal Girl," a track where everyone comes together at once in an opus of Gothic, detached atmosphere.  The bass is heavy and goes through the song like a wrecking ball.  The bass drums are earthquake heavy and move the song along like a train while the guitars on display are the best on the album, going from slick, heavy riffs in the beginning to becoming even heavier and thicker towards the end.  This song features yet another catchy chorus. If Gothic tinged Metal or Doom bands like MY DYING BRIDE or KATATONIA are too dark and plodding for you, this album strikes a good balance between being Gothic and dark but also catchy with melody.